Nathan Redmond's wonder-goal was not enough for Southampton as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Huddersfield on the final day of the Premier League season.
Redmond put Southampton into the lead (41) with an outstanding curling shot into the top corner after a solo run from the left flank.
Debutant goalkeeper Joel Coleman kept Huddersfield on level terms with an outstanding fingertip save to keep out James Ward-Prowse's shot with the help of the crossbar.
But Saints 'keeper Angus Gunn gifted the Terriers a goal when he failed to clear, allowing Alex Pritchard to pounce on the ball and slot into an empty net (55).
Charlie Austin went close in stoppage time but the Terriers held on to survive a late onslaught from the hosts and bow out of the Premier League with a hard-fought point.
How Huddersfield fought back to earn point on final day
Both sides made four changes, as Huddersfield boss Jan Siewert handed 23-year-old Coleman his professional debut, replacing outbound Jonas Lossl.
Ralph Hasenhuttl also changed up goalkeepers as Gunn replaced Fraser Forster and Redmond, Ward-Prowse and Oriol Romeu got back in the starting line-up ahead of Mario Lemina, Mohamed Elyounoussi and Stuart Armstrong.
Huddersfield made a lively start as Karlan Ahearne-Grant tested Gunn with a fizzing shot while Tommy Smith appealed for a penalty after his shot was seemingly blocked by Jack Stephens with his arm.
Aaron Mooy went closest with a curling shot which sailed just over the bar, but it was Redmond who opened the scoring in similar circumstances.
The Saints winger picked up the ball on the left flank and beat two opponents before unleashing an outstanding drive into the far corner, giving Coleman no chance.
Southampton could have had another shortly after as Redmond fed Danny Ings across the area but the striker's effort was blocked by the sliding Christopher Schindler.
Coleman pulled off an outstanding save two minutes into the second half as he tipped Ward Prowse's long-range effort onto the woodwork.
Minutes later, Gunn gave away the Huddersfield equaliser as Pritchard dispossessed him in his own box and tapped in an empty net.
Redmond continued causing problems for the Huddersfield defence by running down the left flank and squaring a ball for Charlie Austin to tap in, but Terence Kongolo made a vital clearance.
The former QPR striker posed a danger in added time as his right-footed curler went inches wide, ensuring both sides took a point on the final day.
Match stats
- Huddersfield are just the second side in a 20-team Premier League season to finish with a goal difference of less than -50 after Derby County in 2007-08 (-69).
- Huddersfield's last away win against Southampton in any competition was a 2-1 top-flight victory in September 1971, with the Terriers drawing two and losing three since then.
- Southampton have won just one of their last eight final Premier League games of the season (D3 L5), beating Crystal Palace 4-1 in 2015-16.
- Southampton have never won against a side starting the day bottom this season, winning neither of the previous two (0-0 vs Newcastle in October, 2-3 vs Fulham in November).
- Southampton and Huddersfield have each used 30 different players in the Premier League this season, more than any other side. No side has had more different goalscorers (excluding own goals) than Saints (16), while only Fulham (10) have had fewer than Huddersfield (11).
Managers
Jan Siewert: "I would say it was really positive [end to the season].
"I knew it was hard after such a tough game we had against Man United to go once more and after such a season which was mentally very hard for players and for us as well, the coaching staff.
"To finish like this and to give everything on the pitch once more is a big, big credit to my players and to the squad because I think we can be proud of how we played today."
Ralph Hasenhuttl: "This game was a picture from the last six months. The first half we had big chances to be two or three up, after the break we had immediately a big chance.
"The players have a lot of things to do better next season. We have a lot to do and we know, it's good that we are safe but the last five games without a win - I don't like it.
"We will do a lot of things this summer to make this not happen next year."
Man of the Match - Nathan Redmond
The Southampton winger, who scored in only one of the last 12 games, regained his place in the starting line-up after being benched at West Ham and wasted no time in causing havoc for the Huddersfield defence.
His opening goal was a piece of brilliance, showing blistering pace, technical ability and great finishing to dummy two defenders and wrap his foot around the ball to find the far corner.
Goal aside, he proved a thorn in the flesh of the Huddersfield back line, racing forward with intent for the whole game with no defender capable of dealing with his constant runs.
Ralph Hasenhuttl is right to demand more from Redmond, if this is what he is capable of.
What's next?
Both sides end their Premier League season with a draw keeping them in their respective positions - Southampton end in 16th place, while Huddersfield finish bottom of the table with 16 points.
The Saints will play in the Premier League next season while Huddersfield drop down a tier to the Sky Bet Championship.